Ukulele Supplies: The Necessities

There are some basic ukulele supplies that a ukulele player needs to
keep their instrument safe and in good playable condition. These include
supplies for cleaning and storing the instrument, as well as the
supplies you’ll need to use the instrument in live settings. There are
additional supplies and accessories that can enhance you’re playing
experience and that make it rather fun to visit the music store. Part of
the experience of owning an instrument, in fact, is getting to indulge
in a little retail therapy on its behalf.

Hard or Soft Shell Case?

First and foremost, you need a case. There are basically two types of
cases for instruments: hard-shell cases and soft-shell cases, sometimes
called gig bags. Despite the name gig bag, soft-shell cases are not a
safe way to transport instruments to and from venues. Get a good
hard-shell case and make sure that you use it to keep your instrument
safe from harm, especially when you’re travelling to and from lessons or
shows. Gig bags can be convenient, but they offer no protection to a
ukulele beyond protecting against scrapes and gouges.

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Ukulele Strings

Strings entail a very big world of choices. They are also among the
most fun ukulele supplies. They’re not particularly expensive and
hunting around to find your brand can be a lot of fun. If you have
sensitive fingers, consider plain strings. Those with a better callous
on their hands—don’t worry, yours will come with time—may like the
richer sound of wound strings. Make sure that your ukulele can stand up
to the tension of wound strings. A music shop can let you know if your
instrument is suitable for them, or if you need to stick with the
lighter tension, nylon options.

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Cleaning Products Should Be Included As Part Of Your Ukulele Supplies

There are numerous products available for cleaning your ukulele. This
is a very important part of keeping your instrument in good repair.
Make sure to get a cleaner that is compatible with the finish on the
wood on your instrument. If you buy a very expensive ukulele or one that
has an exotic wood, such as Hawaiian Koa, ask an advanced player, a
music shop employee or call the company to find out what cleaning
materials are best. The number one thing to remember is that the wood
polishes and other cleaners used for household woods are not always
safe; don’t’ assume that they are.

Ukulele supplies also include materials for cleaning the strings.
When you play, you leave a mix of oil, sweat and skin on the strings
that deadens the sound. There are good products out there that strip
these off of the strings and restore their sound. Make sure that any
product you use to do this is safe for the fretboard. Before you take
advice from the old-timers, petroleum-based lubricants, butter and other
exotic materials are not at all appropriate. These cleaners are
inexpensive, so take the time to buy them from a music store.